Lake Como Vacation Style with Stylist Whitney Olschwanger
Stylist Whitney Olschwanger curates an elegant and effortless vacation wardrobe in the serene setting of Lake Como, Italy—where timeless style meets sunlit ease. With a focus on refined silhouettes and wearable pieces, her summer edit embodies the art of traveling lightly and dressing beautifully.
From crisp cotton dresses perfect for lakeside lunches to soft tailoring in deep navy for cooler evenings, Whitney’s Lake Como outfits capture a harmonious balance of romance, comfort, and polish.
"I chose Merlette pieces because I knew I’d need something chic for aperitivo at Villa d’Este, a dinner at Il Gatto Nero, and something easy and elegant enough to walk through town or hop on a boat to my favorite little beach."
Featured in her suitcase: the sculptural GALLEN Dress in Opaline, the subtly structured KAEDE Dress in Black, and the luminous LUNE Mini Dress in Soft Gold—each a versatile choice for your next European summer getaway.
Where did the idea for this trip to Lake Como begin?
I started coming to Cernobbio in the summer of 2019 after a long work trip going to the fashion weeks in Milan and Paris when I was working at MR. PORTER. My friend had just come to this Bed and Breakfast in Cernobbio. Since that trip, I have been back 6 times.
How did you choose the Merlette pieces to bring with you?
I knew I wanted something chic for aperitivo at Villa d’Este, a dinner at Il Gato Nero, and something chic and easy to walk down to town.
What role did clothing play in shaping how you experienced the days there?
I try to wear light weight pieces that look chic but are comfortable and interesting. I always bring a tote with me incase I need to change for dinner. The town is about a 35 minute walk from the Bed and Breakfast, so I like to prepare my looks for the day before I head out.
What were some of the places you found yourself returning to — a walk, a swim spot, a view that stayed with you?
I always go to Lido di Fageto, Il Gato Nero, Via D’Este, the gelato shop (Gelato Sottozero Cernobbio), the sunglasses store- Ottica Piffaretti (my favorite place ever).
How did you style yourself for dinners or evenings out, like your visit to Il Gatto Nero?
We were always in a bit of a rush to make the reservation due to walking back up the hill, so I planned on simple dresses like the KAEDE and accessorized it with fun jewelry like the Chloé Shells Belt.
What are your top five places to visit in and around Cernobbio — the restaurants, shops, or hidden corners you’d return to in a heartbeat?
Same as the favorite places I returned to! This time we went to Switzerland for a day trip, which was so fun and easy.
What was the most memorable meal of the trip — and what made it so special?
I had an incredible meal at il Gato Nero. I had gf spaghetti alle vongole and the most incredible tableside Tiramisu. They make it in front of you and every bite seems to perfectly melt in your mouth while you’re looking out to the most incredible views at the top of the city.
Do you have any beauty rituals or travel skincare essentials that kept you feeling fresh in the Italian heat?
When it’s so hot, I tend to not wear a ton of makeup, but I have been loving the Decorte Liposome Advanced Repair Serum, the Sofie Pavitt Omega Rich Moisturizer (this is my HERO product), Naked Sundays Cabana Glow Mineral Glow Serum Drops for sunscreen, Rhode Pocket Blush in Sprinkle, Roz Lucia Styling Oil, and Maison d’ETTO Noisette fragrance.